Overview 5 of 5
Where does it fit in the production ecosystem?
PNG typically sits between design creation and production execution.
It is usually an artwork or image-data format rather than the machine instructions themselves.
PNG Production Flow
- 1
Creator
Creates or edits artwork
- 2
Editable source file
PSD / AI / SVG / other source
- 3
Export / Preparation
- 4
PNG
Raster production or delivery asset
- 5
File validation
- Dimensions
- Transparency
- Color
- Quality
- Compatibility
- 6
Maker / production software
RIP / print software / machine software
- 7
Production method
DTF / DTG / Sublimation / UV / Engraving / etc.
- 8
Machine + material
- 9
Physical product
Design Stage
The Creator may use PNG as:
- A final raster export
- An intermediate design asset
- A proof
- A mockup
- A digital image
- A production artwork file
Handoff Stage
The Creator may provide the PNG to a Maker when the intended production workflow accepts raster image input.
The handoff should include enough information for the Maker to determine:
- Intended product
- Intended size
- Applicable production method
- Transparency requirements
- Other production specifications
Pre-Production Stage
Before production, the Maker may verify:
- Pixel dimensions
- Physical output size
- Effective resolution
- Transparency
- Color/profile information
- Image quality
- Software compatibility
- Production-method requirements
Production Stage
PNG may be imported into:
- RIP software
- Print software
- Printer drivers
- Machine-control software
- Laser software
- Print-and-cut systems
The software may then transform the image information into the machine-specific instructions required to produce the final object.
Final Output Stage
The PNG itself is usually not the physical output.
Instead:
- 1
PNG
- 2
Software interpretation
- 3
Machine instructions
- 4
Material processing
- 5
Physical result
For purely digital applications, however, the PNG may itself be the final deliverable.
Position Within Goodiee
Within the Goodiee knowledge structure, PNG connects several knowledge areas:
File Type
PNG
Production Methods
DTF
DTG
Sublimation
UV Printing
Laser Engraving
Software
Creation
Editing
Viewing
Production / RIP
Machines
Materials
Products
Troubleshooting
Key Production Principle
A PNG file is only one component of the production system.
Production readiness should therefore be evaluated as:
- 1
Production ready
- 2
File quality
- 3
Correct dimensions
- 4
Correct file characteristics
- 5
Software compatibility
- 6
Method compatibility
- 7
Machine requirements
- 8
Material requirements
A valid .png extension alone does not establish production readiness.